Psalms 119:68
Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
Psalms 119:68
Psalm 119:68 proclaims that God is good and does good, and asks to be taught God’s statutes. The verse centers God’s character as the source of all good and frames the pursuit of knowledge as a response to that goodness. In the psalm’s world, goodness is not a mood but a reliable divine attribute demonstrated through acts of mercy, justice, and guidance. The request to teach implies a receptive learner who desires alignment with God’s will. The pairing of God’s goodness with instruction reframes suffering or obedience as participants in a blessed dynamic: God’s goodness motivates instruction; instruction enables living in that goodness. The verse reflects a broader biblical pattern where revelation (God’s Word) and divine benevolence are inseparably linked, inviting trust and obedience.
Theologically, this verse anchors moral knowledge in God’s character. If God is good, then His statutes are good and life-giving. The request to be taught underscores a humble dependency on God to reveal what is right. This aligns with the biblical claim that all wisdom comes from the Lord (James 1:5). The verse also challenges cynicism about God’s governance: even in a broken world, God’s goodness remains the ground of instruction and hope. It emphasizes that moral formation is a gift of grace—God discloses the path to live well.
Act on this by cultivating teachability. When you encounter a difficult command or moral dilemma, pause and ask God to reveal what is genuinely good. Use reflective practices: read a passage, observe what it reveals about God’s character, and how that translates into behavior. Practice applying statutes with compassion—consider how goodness shapes your interactions at work, home, and online. If you’ve doubted God’s goodness, revisit this verse as a corrective: ask God to teach you anew and to align your desires with His. Sharing stories about how God’s statutes have guided your decisions can foster encouragement within your community.
Cross-References: Psalm 34:8; Psalm 27:13-14; Exodus 33:19; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:4